Pakistan clinch a big win, With Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir in the team, many supporters were expecting a formidable bowling onslaught from Pakistan. Pakistan-New Zealand series, they were seen together in the second T20I. Result—New Zealand’s weak batting lineup struggled against the pace duo’s relentless attack.
Shaheen took 3 wickets for 13 runs in 3.1 overs, while Amir claimed 2 wickets for 13 runs in 3 overs. After the fiery spell of Pakistan’s two pacers, New Zealand first batted and collapsed at 90 runs in 18.1 overs, allowing Pakistan to win the match with 47 balls remaining and 7 wickets in hand.
The match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium showcased Pakistan’s dominance. Mohammad Rizwan, the hero of Pakistan’s victory, remains unbeaten at 45 runs off 34 balls as a wicketkeeper-batsman. Debutant Irfan Khan also remained unbeaten, scoring 18 runs off 18 balls in his first international cricket match.
The way to Pakistan’s victory was paved by their bowlers. Losing the toss and sent to bat first, New Zealand succumbed to the fiery spell of Shaheen Afridi in the third over. Then, Amir took the ball in the next over.
After more than three years, the pace duo once again combined to dismiss Tim Seifert, with Iftikhar Ahmed taking a catch at cover off Amir’s second ball. However, Amir didn’t stop there. In his very next over, he dismissed Devon Conway.
After losing three wickets for 35 runs, New Zealand couldn’t regain control of the match. When the two spinners, Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed, joined the wicket-taking celebration, Kiwis lost their eighth wicket at 79 runs in the eighth over. At the end, Nasim Shah and Shaheen took two more wickets, halting New Zealand’s innings just one ball short of completing the quota.
Scores:
New Zealand : 90 all out in 18.1 overs (Seifert 12, Robinson 4, Foxcroft 13, Chapman 19, Neesham 1, McConchie 15, Bracewell 4, Sohdi 8, Duffy 8, Sears 3, Lister 1; Shaheen 3.1-0-13-3, Nasim 4-0-27-1, Amir 3-0-13-2, Abrar 4-0-15-2, Iftikhar 1-0-7-0, Shadab 3-0-15-2).
Pakistan: 92/4 in 12.1 overs (Amin 4, Babar 14, Rizwan 45*, Usman 7, Irfan 18*; Lister 2-0-10-1, Duffy 2-0-7-0, Sears 3-0-30-0, Bracewell 2-0-19-1, Sohdi 3-0-18-1, McConchie 0.1-0-4-0).
Result: Pakistan win by 7 wickets.
